Here’s How to Keep a Cat from Scratching the Furniture

Cats—the silly, moody, fluffy little guys we love to love. No matter how cute they are (or maybe how angry they are), much of our cats’ behavior is a mystery to us. Like, why do cats knead? Do cats know their names? And why do they love to tear up our couches and chairs? If you’re wondering about the best cat scratching posts and how to keep cats from scratching furniture, you’re in the right place.

Why is my cat scratching the furniture?

Cat body language can be confusing, but scratching is a normal aspect of cat behavior. In the wild, cats scratch their claws to remove the dead layer of claw (think of it like a cat manicure), which helps to keep their claws sharp for hunting. Scratching also lets them mark their territory. They have scent glands between their claws, and the scratch marks themselves are a visual sign to other cats that this area is occupied. Scratching and stretching also help them to keep their bodies in good shape.

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Can cats be trained not to scratch furniture?

Good news: yes! While experts don’t believe cats can be trained to not scratch at all, they can definitely be trained not to scratch your furniture. As mentioned above, scratching is a primal instinct that helps cats in the wild, so your much-loved cat is simply being a cat. But worry not, there are ways to redirect their instincts.

How do I get my cat to stop scratching my furniture?

It isn’t fun when your feline friend decides to leave their calling card on your furniture, drapes or carpets. Luckily, here are some proven do’s and don’ts for keeping a cat from scratching furniture:

Don’t declaw your cat

Declawing your cat is not recommended. It’s a surgical procedure that involves removing the last bone in each of your cat’s toes to prevent the claws from regrowing. Many experts believe it’s an inhumane treatment, plus it can lead to behavior problems such as biting, refusing to use a litter box and even cat anxiety.

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Provide scratching posts

Kittens begin to scratch at around 8 weeks old, so start training your cat when it’s young by providing scratching posts or stands. Your cat can still indulge in its natural behavior, but without shredding your furniture. Investing in some cat-proof furniture that can withstand all the scratching is also an excellent choice.

Use cat scratch spray

Using a cat scratch spray will trick your cat into thinking it has already marked its territory, discouraging it from scratching where you don’t want it to. You can purchase a spray to stop cats from scratching furniture, but it’s also easy to make your own homemade cat scratching spray using vinegar, essential citrus oils, or even garlic and peppermint! Next, here’s how to keep your cat off the counters.

Use cat scratch tape

If you’re wondering how to stop cats from scratching leather furniture, cat scratch tape is the answer. It also works well on fabric, carpet and hard surfaces such as walls and doors. This double-sided sticky tape comes in panels or rolls like regular tape, and it can be stuck where you need it and removed easily afterward. Cats hate the feeling of stickiness on their paws, so it discourages scratching.

Try socks, boots or nail caps

Cat socks or boots (aka mittens) to prevent scratching are an alternative to declawing. These boots work well for some cats, but if yours gets frustrated and keep trying to remove them, try soft nail caps that glue onto your cat’s claws. These will limit the damage if your cat does decide to scratch where it shouldn’t. And in case you’re wondering, here’s what catnip actually does to cats.

Protect with vinyl guards

Yet another option is to install clear vinyl panels on your furniture where your cat wants to scratch. These panels are available in many sizes, and they come with screw pins that make the panels easy to install. Kitties’ claws can’t penetrate the sturdy vinyl, so these covers sleekly provide invisible protection for your cat’s favorite couch or chair.

While you might not be able to completely keep your cat from scratching furniture, these tips can reduce the likelihood of damage to your home. Next, check out our favorite cat toys and learn why cats hiss.

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